| Abstract: | A method for creating nanoparticles directly from bulk metal by applying
ultrasound to the surface in the presence of a two-part surfactant
system. Implosive collapse of cavitation bubbles near the bulk metal
surface generates powerful microjets, leading to material ejection. This
liberated material is captured and stabilized by a surfactant bilayer in
the form of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles can be produced regardless of
the bulk metal form factor. The method is generally applicable of metals
and alloys. The method can be applied to an environmentally important
problem, the reclamation of gold from an electronic waste stream. |